1999 Audi TT

Introduction to the 1999 Audi TT

The 1999 Audi TT is a compact sports car that quickly gained popularity for its stylish design and impressive performance. It was initially offered with a single engine and transmission setup, the 180 PS 1.8L inline-four paired with a front-wheel-drive, five-speed manual transmission.

While beloved for its sleek exterior, nimble handling, and peppy engine, the TT is not without its fair share of issues.

Engine

1.8L Inline-Four

• Oil Consumption: This engine is known to consume excessive amounts of oil, leading to decreased performance and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Regular oil monitoring and top-ups, potential engine rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the chain to skip and potentially damaging the engine.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain tensioner and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V043000

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual

• Gear Synchronization Issues: The transmission may have difficulty shifting into certain gears, particularly when cold.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn synchronizers or potential transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Electrical Control Unit (ECU) Failure: The ECU can fail, causing various electrical issues, including engine management problems and lighting malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ECU.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
• Alternator Issues: The alternator can fail prematurely, leading to electrical problems and battery drain.
  • Solution: Replacement of the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
• Window Regulator Failure: The window regulators can fail, preventing the windows from being raised or lowered.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window regulators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuators: The door lock actuators can fail, causing doors to remain locked or unlocked.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Interior

• Sunroof Switch Failure: The sunroof switch can fail, preventing the sunroof from being opened or closed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the sunroof switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Climate Control Malfunctions: The climate control system can malfunction, leading to issues with heating, ventilation, or air conditioning.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800

Summary

While the 1999 Audi TT offers a thrilling driving experience, it is important to be aware of its potential issues. The engine can suffer from excessive oil consumption and timing chain tensioner failures, while the transmission may have synchronization problems. The electrical system can experience ECU failures and alternator issues, and the exterior door lock actuators may malfunction. Interior concerns include failed sunroof switches and climate control malfunctions.

The severity of these issues vary, and some are more common than others. The cost to fix these problems can be significant, so potential buyers should carefully consider these factors before purchasing a 1999 Audi TT.